Seventh Grade Social Studies

Here is an example of a 21st century project that includes both print and non-print materials, both classwork and use of the computer lab.

Directions:
As we go along from now until October 8, 2008 students will complete the following assignments as part of their Civil War Project. Students will be working on this in class and at home while being exposed to materials that will help develop their understanding of the one of the greatest events in American history. Materials will be shared from books, videos, and a web-quest on school computers. Students will put these assignments together either on a science display board OR as a Power Point Presentation and present them to the class the week of October 2-8, 2008.
The project will be worth a total of 400 points.

Please pace yourself and it is recommended to have four of the assignments done by September 29 to ensure you are ready for the presentation and not waiting until the last minute.

Assignment # 1
Select FIVE events from the Civil War Timeline that you feel were the most important, based on historical significance. Write them down and explain your reason for selecting them.

Assignment # 2
In a ONE page paper (in ink or typed) explain your position as to why the Civil War occurred. Do you feel that the division between the North and South could have been resolved peacefully? Why or why not?

Assignment # 3
Write a ONE page letter from the viewpoint of either a Confederate or Yankee soldier to either a friend or loved one. Describe your life and living conditions. Look at the photographs in the books in class and the text as well as videos or other class information on which to draw from. Be as detailed as possible; put the reader in the ‘skin’ of your characters. Use the grading rubric as a guide.